Fluidotherapy in Patients With Distal Radius Fractures

Distal radius fractures are the most common fractures when looking at upper extremity fractures. The incidence of distal radius fractures is increasing day by day, and when looking at the databases of various countries, its annual prevalence reaches 70,000 in the UK and 640,000 in the USA. Most of these fractures are related to osteoporosis and require appropriate treatment. If not, it causes loss of work force, permanent disability, and limitation in daily activities. Fluidotherapy has also proven to be effective in reducing hand edema in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and stroke, examining its effect on nerve conduction velocities, and warming hypothermic patients. Compared to these treatment methods, fluid therapy reduces both joint capsule and muscle temperature by 9°C and 5.7°C, respectively. has been reported to increase.

Reducing pain and edema after Distal Radius fracture is an important part of postoperative rehabilitation. Various massage and mobilization methods were applied to this patient population in the postoperative period. In a recent study evaluating the effectiveness of Whirlpool treatment, it was reported that studies on the effectiveness of fluidotherapy are also needed. There is no study in the literature evaluating the effectiveness of fluidotherapy in the postoperative rehabilitation program in patients who underwent surgery for distal radius fractures. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding fluidotherapy to the early rehabilitation program on pain, edema, joint range of motion and functionality after the cast is removed in patients who received conservative cast treatment due to distal radius fracture.